Empress of Dirt

My gardening insights are shaped by years of experience in a chilly climate, where I nurture a four-season garden, alongside a strong passion for factual, science-backed information rather than relying on old myths. While some gardening advice applies broadly, the content here is mainly tailored for hardiness zones 4-8 in the US and Canada. Key themes featured throughout this site include making ecosystem-friendly choices in gardening, encouraging local wildlife by planting native species, a deep affection for hummingbirds, the incredible benefits of growing your own food, and the adventurous pursuit of propagating everything from avocado pits to resilient seeds.

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June Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects — Empress of Dirt

3 weeks ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

June is a busy time for cold-climate gardeners. Summer is here and it’s time to plant, create, and visit other gardens for inspiration. Have a look at the ideas for this month. Here in southwestern Ontario, Canada, the month of June can be hot and dry. It’s the month of summer solstice with the longest period of daylight and shortest night around June 20 or 21. Our gardens are starting to thrive and it’s garden tour season—perfect for grabbing fresh ideas.
What to Do About Mealybugs on Houseplants — Empress of Dirt

1 month ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

Learn how to identify, manage, and prevent mealybug infestations on your houseplants with practical tips for spotting signs early and keeping plants healthy. If you’ve got little jumping bugs, see these tips for getting rid of fungus gnats. Mealybugs are one of the more frustrating houseplant pests—and they often seem to appear out of nowhere. At first glance, they look like fuzzy white lint, but they’re actually insects, and a stubborn one at that.
Will My Flowering Bulbs Come Back Next Year? — Empress of Dirt

1 month ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

Learn which flowering bulbs come back each year, which don’t, and how to care for perennial varieties after blooming to give them the best chance of flowering again. If you’re new to this, see How to Plant Flower Bulbs for more growing tips. Spring-flowering bulbs can be unpredictable. Some bloom beautifully year after year, while others fade out quickly or never return.
Why Hummingbirds Are Avoiding Your Feeders — Empress of Dirt

1 month ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

Wondering why nearby hummingbirds aren’t visiting your feeders? This checklist looks at why they might be avoiding your yard—or choosing a neighbor’s instead. By understanding what they need, you can make changes that encourage them to stop by. If you’re not sure if they have arrived yet, see our spring hummingbird migration map here. If you know hummingbirds spend their summers in your neighborhood but they’re ignoring your feeders, you’re not alone.
8 Early Summer Garden Chores That Matter Most — Empress of Dirt

1 month ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

Be sure to stay on top of these early summer garden chores to avoid missed opportunities for plant propagation and prevent small issues from turning into big problems. If time has slipped away, this lists what to get done mid-summer before the cool weather sets in. Summer SolsticeSummer solstice is the day of the year with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night. In the Northern Hemisphere, it usually occurs around June 20 or 21.
What to Look For at Yard Sales to Spruce Up Your Garden — Empress of Dirt

1 month ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

After seeing so many clever repurposed garden projects, it’s easy to forget what to look for once you’re at a yard sale. Keep our printable wishlist handy to jog your memory and help you spot those one-of-a-kind finds. If you’re curious how I created my garden on a low budget, this shares all my frugal shopping tips. If you’re someone like me who spontaneously stops at yard sales, do yourself a favor and carry a wishlist to review before you start shopping.
Garden Speak: Odd Terms That Confuse & Amuse New Gardeners — Empress of Dirt

1 month ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

Garden-speak can sound like a secret language, especially when you’re just getting started. This guide unpacks the oddest terms—like bolting, deadheading, and hardening off—with friendly, beginner-focused explanations. The Empress of Dirt Gardener’s Dictionary is also a good resource for learning garden jargon. It’s easy to forget how strange gardening lingo sounds when you’re just starting out.
May Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects — Empress of Dirt

1 month ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

For some cold-climate gardeners, May marks the month of the last frosts for the winter and the warming of the garden soil. It’s the time to start growing and getting creative. If you’re just catching up, the April checklist is here. Here in southwestern Ontario, Canada, May begins spring gardening season in earnest.
What I’m Reading: Gardening, Nature, & Life Stories — Empress of Dirt

2 months ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

If you’re looking for gardening and nature books that explore how the outdoors shapes our lives (and vice versa), this is a growing list of titles I’m reading, enjoying, and recommending, covering everything from practical tips to personal stories. If you’re ready to transform your garden into a part of the great ecosystem, these tips for creating a wildlife pond and garden will help. Here’s a look at the books currently on my nightstand, plus some past favorites.
Why Your Compost Pile Stinks & How to Fix It — Empress of Dirt

2 months ago | empressofdirt.net | Melissa J. Will

A smelly compost pile is a sign something’s wrong. Learn why compost can smells like rotten eggs or ammonia and how to fix it with these simple steps. If you would like a refresher on the basics, see How to Compost Food Scraps. If your compost pile smells bad, don’t worry. It’s a common problem and usually easy to fix. Here’s the quick summary of what you need to do:Add more “browns” (like shredded paper, cardboard, or dry leaves). Turn the pile to mix things up and get air back in.